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Jackson officials to vote on budget amendment halting the layoffs of public safety personnel

firefighter training

Jackson firefighters wait for their turn to crawl between 16 inch wall studs during a training exercise. A budget amendment would stave off laying off one Jackson firefighter as part of the city's 2014-15 budget.

JACKSON, MI – One Jackson firefighter and one police officer may be saved from budgetary layoffs if city officials decide to allow it.

After approving a spending plan last month that would result in a number of public safety personnel getting pink slipped, City Council will vote on a budget amendment Tuesday, June 10, that could stave off firing one firefighter, one patrol officer and one communication specialist in the police department.

"The City expects to save a significant amount of health insurance costs in the coming as well as future fiscal years as a result of (union concessions)," City Finance Director Phil Hones said. "We are confident ... that these savings will justify the reinstatement of certain positions."

Jackson Director of Human Resources Crystal Dixon said the new insurance program through Blue Cross Blue Shield will mirror the city's existing plan for active employees and allows for retiree plans that meet the requirements of the collective bargaining agreements between the city and its unions.

Jackson City Council is set to vote on the budget amendment 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, on the second floor of City Hall, 161 W. Michigan Ave.

Council will also decide whether or not to waive $62,000 worth of stormwater fee refunds as part of a class action lawsuit against the city. These are just the fees on city-owned property. City property owners have until June 15 to waive a refund, or do nothing and remain part of the class action settlement.

"We would be refunding ourselves," Burtch said. "Whether we decide to get a refund or not, our financial position stays the same."

Contact Will Forgrave at wforgrav@mlive.com or 517-262-7554. Follow him on Twitter at @WillForgrave.